Remembrance Sunday should be football-free, says MP

A WEARSIDE MP says Sky Sports should not screen live football on Remembrance Sunday this year.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, wants Sports Minister Helen Grant to ask Sky to reconsider scheduling games in order to “respect the original intentions of this special day”.

Four games took place on Remembrance Sunday last November.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Hodgson told Ms Grant: “As we’re well into the 100-year commemorations of the First World War would you reassure the House, veterans in my area as well as my local armed forces network that you will ask Sky to reconsider the scheduling of their broadcast of their matches on Remembrance Sunday, which has happened in Sunderland two years in a row, and instead schedule the games for the Saturday so as to respect the original intentions of this special day – remembering those who give their lives for our country.”

Ms Grant replied: “It is important to always remember those who sacrifice their lives for our country.